26th Anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution

We will commemorate the  26th Anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution tomorrow. To celebrate the very memorable day that hundreds of thousands of Filipinos flocked the streets to oust an abusive dictatorship and to fight for the freedom of our country. In February 1986, the People of the Philippines showed the world how to restore democracy peacefully and through democratic ways. The EDSA Revolution and the Philippine Revolution of 1986 was the series of popular demonstrations in the Philippines in 1983 to 1986.

The methods used amounted to a sustained campaign of civil resistance against regime violence and electoral fraud. This case of nonviolent revolution led to the departure of President Ferdinand Marcos and the restoration of the country's democracy. It is also referred to as the Yellow Revolution due to the presence of yellow ribbons during the demonstrations and the arrival of Benigno Aquino, Jr.

President Benigno Aquino III will lead the morning celebration of the Edsa People Power Revolution at the People Power Monument in Epifanio De Los Santos Avenue (Edsa) that will include flag-raising ceremony and Salubungan on Edsa. Expected to join him are Vice President Jejomar Binay, former President Fidel Ramos, Ochoa, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chairman Francis Tolentino, Metro Manila mayors and EPPC commissioners.

In the afternoon, Mr. Aquino will be in Trece Martires to turn over 21,000 houses to soldiers. According to the EPPC, this event is symbolic of the partnership of the military and civilians during the Edsa Revolution.

The President is also scheduled to unveil the statue of Jaime Cardinal Sin in Manila, one of the major figures during the Edsa Revolution in February 1986. Activities will be spearheaded by the EDSA People Power Commission and Pilipinas Natin.

Its theme, “Edsa 26: Anong Taya Mo Para Sa Pilipinas Natin?” is a call to action for all Filipinos to participate in nation-building while the activities will highlight the spirit of volunteerism and bayanihan.